I know there are discussion on what type of sealant to use, but my GC is trying to tell me that it's really not important to seal tile. The tile installer said he has a sealer that will work for about 5 years before I need to do it again, but I don't think he really likes to seal, would rather I do it. So what's the straight story - to seal or not to seal? And if I do, when I get ready to seal again, do I have to first clean the tile and remove the old sealer? Thanks!

Sarah, We'd like first to know what type of tile/stone you're talking about. I think it's important to seal, but depending on your product, you may need to seal only the grout. Easy, but follow the label. You'll get more help from others, reply with the type of covering you're dealing with.

I have glazed ceramic tile in one bathroom with white grout, and in the other bathroom a combination of glazed ceramic and villiglass glass tile with a grout with a slightly grayish hue. One is a floor and tub and shower surround, there other is a floor and a 4x5 walk in shower. Also getting ready to do vanity backsplashes.

That sounds great, Sarah. Interesting.

Hi Sarah, I would seal the grout by wiping sealer over the surface of the tiles as well. Then completely wipe of the tiles as if you were using Windex on your windows. Don't leave anything on the surface. Tile Your World Stone Armor is a very good product. You can do it yourself. :) http://tileyourworld.com/catalog

I went to the tile store yesterday afternoon. The guy at the sales counter (not the salesperson but the guy who actually knows how to install tile) told me not to seal, that he would rather watch football than paint lines on grout joints. He showed me the tile sealer at $18 a can which he said would last about 8 months, and then he showed me the marble sealer at $50 a can, which he said would last a few years. They both smell to high heaven and I would not do this without a serious face mask. THen he recommended just putting GlassX on all the tile. Said it will smell but more like alcohol, but it will only last a few months too. Hmmm....

So, what have you decided to do?

Tile Your World Stone Armor is water based with virtually no odor. It can be applied by pouring a small puddle on the surface and then pushing it around with a sponge that has been dipped in the sealer. Allow to dwell for 5-10 minutes, then wipe every last bit off the surface with clean dry towels. Do not allow the sealer to dry on the surface. Here's a link to Kemguru's introduction of the product in the Pro forum: http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?postid=84823&highlight=armor+minutes#post84823 I would rather do *anything* rather than paint grout lines. ;)

Sarah, I don't like criticizing folks who are in my trade, but this tile guy is a schmuck. Smelly sealers went out the door several years ago. They's probably had the stuff lying around since then. :D We have maybe 40 to 50 tile setters who check into this site from time to time. I don't think you'd find any one of them who would argue about sealing grout. If you don't want to use TYW Stone Armor, get Aquamix Sealer's Choice 15 Gold at Home Depot. It's pretty much the same technology. Their product is good and it doesn't stink, either. :D

Yea,but it does cost more John :)

actually, the guy who told me not to bother sealing was the guy on the desk at the tile store. I smelled the sealers and thought they were awful and neuron destructive, but I'm pretty sensitive to odors. One of the sealers is one recommended on this forum.

Sarah: Sounds to me you are just having a devil of a time getting decient advice there locally. First the GC tells you it's too hard to move the bathroom outlet up a bit to clear the backsplash, then he's telling you sealing is not important. Tile guy's advice certainly no better. I highly recommend the Stone Armor product sold through this website. I have personally used it and it does not stink. I think it has a slight citrus smell. My wife says no, not really like citrus but certainly not offensive either. Try it, you'll like it. :dance:

Hi Sarah :) I also believe in the use of sealers (however their use vaires). I've been working on a project trying to match an existing finish, using various enhancers, topicals, impregnators etc. Wish my TYW Armor would have arrived 4 days earlier! Great product, I'm with Mike2! :D